tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54917772583376122232018-03-06T02:06:10.823-08:00Rockin' Chair ReflectionsWhen there's just enough twilight for sharing random thoughts, a little tooth-suckin' wisdom, and whatever strikes my fance.SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-39018721424007990182013-04-08T11:38:00.001-07:002013-04-08T11:38:59.164-07:00A-Z 2013 - Grasshopper Parable Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/grasshopper%20and%20ant" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="grasshopper and ant photo: Parable of Ant amp Grasshopper Ant-Grasshopper.jpg" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p318/pjshd/Ant-Grasshopper.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I just love parables; don't you? A gentle approach of delivery for basic standards within one's family and community. Aesop's <a href="http://www.longlongtimeago.com/llta_fables_antgrasshopper.html" target="_blank">The Grasshopper and the Ant</a> is one of my favorites because it reminds us all that we are, in fact, responsible for our own lives and have to make choices. Are our children not being exposed to Aesop's Fables, anymore? I know the latest children's stories talk about bullying, sharing, self-esteem, etc. and that's important; but, where are the stories about personal responsibility for taking charge of our own lives? By now, you've probably figured out that this is sort of a gripe post -- so, if you don't want to go further, you won't hurt my feelings.&nbsp; In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow, is another day!"<br /><br />Let me, at the outset, say that this post is NOT about people who are infirm and/or incapable of making independent choices about their lives. Our own humanity impels us to care for them as we would want to be cared for in the same circumstances.&nbsp; What I am talking about are those&nbsp;who choose to not take care of themselves, either through attitude or a misplaced sense of entitlement, and expect everyone else to pay their bills. And, I'm not even going to&nbsp; mention people who know how to work the system with false injury claims. Not a word.<br /><br />In my opinion, if you want to live independently and have a say in what happens in your life, you have to pay&nbsp;your own way. That means you pay for your own shelter, food, clothing, the whole ball of wax.&nbsp; If you think, when out of work, that <br /><ul><li>you are too good to take a job because you're educated above it</li><li>you have a right to today's latest high-tech item just released</li></ul>you're wrong.<br /><br />Unless a job offer&nbsp;requires illegal activity on your part, it's a job and it will help you pay your bills. Too educated; it's time for an attitude adjustment. I've watched grown men let their families go hungry because the industry they had been working in collapsed and they refused to work for less money in jobs they felt were&nbsp;beneath them. I don't doubt for a nanosecond that it's depressing; but it's a job, until what you want comes along -- or, not. And, that could mean you have to switch to a different vocation.&nbsp;Jobs evolve with the generations and colleges produce way too many workers in specific fields because that's how they make money. As a contributing adult in your world, your job is to find a way to pay your bills without living off the backs of other people.&nbsp; [stepping down from soapbox]<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-85228458601267166192013-04-06T12:12:00.001-07:002013-04-06T12:12:32.621-07:00A-Z 2013 - Failing is Not Always Our Fault<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/failure" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="failure photo: failure failure.jpg" border="0" height="200" src="http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n190/johntheboy_2006/failure.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT MY FAULT!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's the end of the first week for the Challenge and I've been feeling the pressure. Until my own "Do it for the Gipper!" pep-talk, I felt like a failure. Why? Because, last year, I promised myself that I would have all my posts done and ready for this year's challenge and let myself down. Alas, I was lower than pond scum. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, I had a nice little rest, forgave myself, and decided to simply handle it in the same frenetic way as the previous challenges -- I rationalized why there were no posts scheduled and waiting for me to hit&nbsp;the 'Publish' button. It was so easy to rationalize, that I wonder why I hadn't thought of it, before (r-r-r-i-i-i-ght).&nbsp; I have forgiven myself, as I know you have and will simply share some other thoughts on failure. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/failure" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="failure photo: Failure failure.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/Yoshipupdude/failure.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EQUIPMENT LETDOWN</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/failure" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="failure photo: Failure Failure.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r155/mcangelwp/Failure.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">POOR DEPTH PERCEPTION<br />&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/failure" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="failure photo: Hard Disc Failure HDDfailed.png" border="0" height="331" src="http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/NutterChap/HDDfailed.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">POOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I rest my petition for forgiveness.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-60499374192863861682013-04-05T00:30:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:37:20.198-07:00A-Z 2013 - Exercise, Envy, ExpedienceSpring has arrived but my body is still&nbsp;very much showing the effects of my selfless disposal of holiday treats -- perpetuating a cycle of 'waste not,&nbsp;waist not.'&nbsp; Truth be told (and, who doesn't, when we're talking exercise), it's&nbsp;a way of making sure I don't topple off my favorite barstool&nbsp;midst anecdotal rhetoric. 'Cycle' is the word to keep in mind. <br /><br />Through the years, I've managed (along with my friends)&nbsp;to accumulate several helpful accoutrements in the battle of the bulge, attempting to return to a respectable weight and form (don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe). Viewed together, I noticed that most of them fell into a category requiring the least amount of movement on my part during use. For instance, none required my&nbsp;leaving the house, or, much more than using the equipment for a specific muscle group.<br /><br />Remember the old Thigh Master?&nbsp; I remember&nbsp;it. Used it&nbsp;straight from the box, that day. I remember&nbsp;my&nbsp;<strong>arms</strong> weren't strong enough to squeeze the blue handles close enough together to even&nbsp;get&nbsp;the unit between my thighs -- never mind, my thighs being able to do the squeezing, once in place!&nbsp; Suffice to say, Suzanne&nbsp;Sommers retains title to tightest thighs. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/thigh%20master" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="thigh master photo: $10 DSC00589.jpg" border="0" center="" height="223" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/llwilkins/DSC00589.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This was followed by the bright idea that I could watch television AND lose weight, cycling my way through&nbsp;the Travel and Discovery Channels, as the pounds just melted off.&nbsp;Turns out, cycling while sitting in&nbsp;an armchair is a lot harder than shown on the box and my feet kept slipping out of those restraints.&nbsp;I knew there had to be a better device. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/exerciser" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="exerciser photo: PEDAL EXERCISER PEDALORGANIZER.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq288/jabeck313/PEDALORGANIZER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was at that point&nbsp;my friends and I decided that upper body exercise was probably more important, and&nbsp;the exercise ball was such a pretty blue.&nbsp;Alas, within minutes of failed inflation,&nbsp;it came back to me&nbsp;that I was the kid who simply couldn't blow up a balloon. I know. I know.&nbsp;I could have used the&nbsp;inflator, but I wasn't thinking at the time and, a few days later, I was ready to move on to something that would really work. The exercise ball still looks like this.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/exercise%20ball" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="exercise ball photo: Exercise Ball IMG_3213.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/heartmama/IMG_3213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, something I was pretty good at as a child -- jump roping -- was gonna do the trick! Yes, I could jump with the best of them; especially, double Dutch jumping. This was a shoe-in. Not! Apparently, as the body changes with the passing of time, jumping higher than four inches in rapid succession is not as easy as&nbsp;one might think. And, kicking up the heels -- well, that doesn't have to be discussed, here.&nbsp; But, aren't they pretty? They are still tight in their natural fresh-from-the-store packaging bend. Don't you wish you had a set?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/jump%20rope" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="jump rope photo: Jump Rope Kwon Photo1013.jpg" border="0" height="144" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa415/arief411/Photo1013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Moving on, word was out that belly-dancing was perfect. No jumping! Maybe not an official&nbsp;exercise program but it's a fantastic full-body exercise. I excelled at making the costumes. Would you believe this was me?&nbsp; I didn't think so -- or, is that envy talking?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/belly%20dancing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="belly dancing photo: Belly Dancing belly-dancer150.gif" border="0" src="http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u353/eabouarraj2/belly-dancer150.gif" /></a></div>With the recent acquisition of a most expedient&nbsp;exercise tool, I have now removed all my old body-beautiful&nbsp;equipment from the closet and donated it&nbsp;to Good Will. I bet you want one, too; right?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyZNpzHkoQ8/UV5BrmiVo2I/AAAAAAAADUc/pwbPUWFWhcw/s1600/exercise+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyZNpzHkoQ8/UV5BrmiVo2I/AAAAAAAADUc/pwbPUWFWhcw/s320/exercise+block.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-11938915949986168342013-04-04T00:08:00.000-07:002013-04-04T00:08:08.714-07:00A-Z 2013 - Doors of Our Lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/doors" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="doors photo: Doors DOORS.jpg" border="0" src="http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn204/chateekat_bucket/DOORS.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" /></a></div><br />Every time we face a door, we are making a choice that will affect our lives and our souls.&nbsp;Open it and discover a whole new world&nbsp;or hate turning that knob because only negative people and numbing activities await you. Whether it's the same door,&nbsp;or not, your life does change, in increments or with a fast whoosh!&nbsp;We're not always in control of what's on the other side -- choices you can't avoid or will welcome with open arms, are already heading your way. But, as I've said before in one of my New Year's toasts . . .<br /><blockquote>If you fear the unknown, may you find the inner strength to take a chance.<br />If you rush to the unknown, may you know the difference between exploration and running away.<br />If you desire the unknown, may you be well-prepared for the journey.<br />If you are asked to share the unknown, may it be your decision and the very best choice for you.</blockquote>And, at the close of each year, may your choices reflect a year of seized opportunity, new-found courage, and a deeper understanding of your family and friends. But, most of all, may you discover peace and an acceptance of yourself. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-78508651654550401622013-04-03T21:36:00.000-07:002013-04-04T00:06:20.988-07:00A-Z 2013 - Creative Cupcakes Cause Crises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/cupcake" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="cupcake photo: Owl Cupcake owlcupcake.jpg" border="0" height="228" src="http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt14/cedarf/owlcupcake.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is a cupcake -- today's version of a cupcake. Everywhere you look, today, you'll find little works of art gracing the covers of magazines that used to have beautiful normal cakes.&nbsp;Where have&nbsp;those lovely cakes gone?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/cake" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="cake photo: Inside the cake 033-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy197/GymboLovinMom/033-1.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" /></a></div><br />I understand the premise, believe me. Everyone should have their very own complete cake and this new trend is adorable -- to a point. And that point ends where my desire&nbsp;to share your special day with a baked surprise is now under pressure to create not one big, lovely, cake but a dozen or so&nbsp;highly creative mini-cakes that are, themselves, works of art. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/cupcakes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="cupcakes photo: Fancy Cupcakes YUMYUMSCUPCAKECORNER2012037_zpse9da3625.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s562/ChefYumYum/YUMYUMSCUPCAKECORNER2012037_zpse9da3625.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" /></a></div><br />Do I not have enough to do, to prove my love? Do young mothers today have to face the scorn of their peers because they haven't buckled under to the this new 'prove your love' decorating? Now, I know that baking cupcakes doesn't take all day. Just pour the batter into the pan and bake. Plop that old frosting on the top and dribble some sprinkles and you have a plate of mini-cakes. NO! You can't do that, anymore! Today's mothers have to create the ultimate, most gorgeous, most unique treasures ever. Fondant has replaced edible frostings (sorry, fondant tastes yucky, to me) because you can work it like clay. And, that's the problem. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/cupcakes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="cupcakes photo: My fondant cupcakes 003_zps6ff1ca5b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o497/jkboda43/003_zps6ff1ca5b.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" /></a></div><br />Not everyone is an artist. But, not to worry, because craft stores have&nbsp;come to your rescue by providing a gazillion decorating and packaging accessories to make it easier&nbsp;for you to slip this decorating gig into your already busy day. Now, you have no excuse. You are not only under the spotlight for decorating to perfection, you are emptying your pocketbook to ensure you have the right this-and-that to make it happen. It's becoming the new Scrapbooking craft.&nbsp; I can't imagine the pressure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/cupcakes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="cupcakes photo: reindeer cupcakes 16db4c764b1711e2a07422000a1fab83_6_zps118f1185.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/CreatedbysK/Photos/16db4c764b1711e2a07422000a1fab83_6_zps118f1185.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" /></a></div><br /><br />But, I would like to have another one, thankyouverymuch!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-82237974798045716142013-04-02T00:30:00.000-07:002013-04-02T00:30:01.991-07:00A-Z 2013 - Being There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/sorrow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="sorrow photo: Sorrow Sorrow.jpg" border="0" src="http://i868.photobucket.com/albums/ab247/clubzombie80/Sorrow.jpg" style="height: 50%; width: 50%;" /></a></div><br />"What would you like me to do?" "Can I help?" "Just give me a call, if you need me." While meant with good intentions, sometimes -- well, most times -- it would be better to just do something without waiting for instruction. Whatever the problem that instigates the offer, the person you want to help is probably&nbsp;not able to think clearly and deciding what you can do to help is often more than they&nbsp;can face, so&nbsp;they say it's okay, everything's fine,&nbsp;you go on your way, and nothing's done. <br /><br />A very dear friend&nbsp;demonstrated just how important it can be to simply take charge and handle the little things that need to be done when someone you care about is going through a traumatic situation. While we may like to feel our lives are unique, we all&nbsp;perform the same basic rituals to get through our days -- shopping, cleaning, washing clothes, ironing, yard work, etc. -- well, you get the idea. A simple regular&nbsp;task done for them&nbsp;can mean so much to someone&nbsp;dealing with grief. Setting up a clipboard to keep track of things to do -- people to call,&nbsp;food brought by whom and in what container -- may seem&nbsp;so obvious that no one actually gets one set up! Don't wait to be told, take charge and do what you can for them. It's really nothing more than&nbsp;what you would like to have done for you.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!</div>SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-86056387878120823742013-04-01T07:49:00.001-07:002013-04-01T07:49:05.165-07:00A-Z 2013 - A Writing App for This Year!This year's 2013 A-Z Challenge is going to be sooooooo easy! Oh, yes. Because, I've invented an app that makes writing a cinch. Just type in one word using that day's beginning letter, press return, and -- voila! -- your post is done, waiting&nbsp;to be inserted into your blog. Now, isn't that cool!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rM9Eiax_nYQ/UVmc23S3C-I/AAAAAAAADRQ/MfF8dGyF2nw/s1600/writing+app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rM9Eiax_nYQ/UVmc23S3C-I/AAAAAAAADRQ/MfF8dGyF2nw/s320/writing+app.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br />There's a button at the end that lets you link up to your blog for posting. How great is that! <br /><br />I wonder how much I should sell it for? or, if I should just make it available for everyone? or, exactly how I should approach Apple? Would you get one? Should I make it in a variety of colors? Does that even matter? Imagine being able to give your readers a spell-checked, informative, pre-linked post after entering just one word.&nbsp; I think that's cool; don't you?&nbsp; <span style="font-size: xx-small;">April Fool!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZoVFtqPXCs/UVmFn8YBs4I/AAAAAAAADRA/1RrD3mUF5do/s1600/ijrnl_80x80.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A%20TO%20Z%202013/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-34940529306167038892012-05-06T19:06:00.000-07:002012-05-06T19:06:06.481-07:00Reflections on A-Z Writing Challenge for 2012It's over... phew! April came so FAST, this year; don't you think?<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/totally%20exhausted/ForJaney/1208724349_03_panda_58857.jpg?o=37" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/ForJaney/1208724349_03_panda_58857.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><center>&nbsp;</center> I do want to thank all of the Co-Hosts of this year's Challenge and hope those of you who are reading this will also take the time to pop over and give them some comment love, too! <br /><ul><li>Arlee Bird of Tossing It Out <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/">http://tossingitout.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Alex J. Cavanaugh&nbsp; <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/">http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Stephen Tremp at Breakthrough Blogs&nbsp; <a href="http://breakthroughblogs.blogspot.com/">http://breakthroughblogs.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Jenny Pearson at Pearson Report&nbsp; <a href="http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/">http://pearsonreport.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Matthew McNish at The QQQE&nbsp; <a href="http://theqqqe.blogspot.com/">http://theqqqe.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Tina Downey at Life is Good&nbsp; <a href="http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/">http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Jeremy Hawkins at Retro-Zombie&nbsp; <a href="http://izombielover.blogspot.com/">http://izombielover.blogspot.com</a></li><li>DL Hammons at Cruising Altitude&nbsp; <a href="http://dlcruisingaltitude.blogspot.com/">http://dlcruisingaltitude.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Shannon Lawrence at The Warrior Muse&nbsp; <a href="http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/">http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com</a></li><li><br />Elizabeth Mueller&nbsp; <a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/">http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Damyanti Biswas at Amlokiblogs&nbsp; <a href="http://amloki.blogs;pot.com/">http://amloki.blogs;pot.com</a></li><li>Karen Gowen at Coming Down the Mountain <a href="http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/">http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Konstanz Silverbow at No Thought 2 Small&nbsp; <a href="http://nothought2small.blogspot.com/">http://nothought2small.blogspot.com</a></li></ul>Because I didn't do what I originally planned to do, my trek through the alphabet was eclectic, to say the least. I tried to think ahead but usually found myself working on just two or three at a time. Next year, I plan to do better! (Yup. That's what I'm going to do. Sure.)&nbsp; I did meet some bloggers who shared my interests, but many immediately following my ranking were too extreme for me. But, I am composing my Guest Blogger requests and features for upcoming posts, and that should fill up the next few months.<br /><br />My highlights were actually getting the postings completed on time, except, for that one instance when I hit the wrong timing button and I had to manually publish it. (Bad me...)&nbsp; There's so much going on in my life, right now, that daily posting was harder than last year but still well worth the attempt. I love how it forces the mind to focus and stretch, at the same time.<br /><br />I didn't have a theme and I'm not sure I want one -- although, that may well change by next year. I hate to be confined to one topic and so will just have to think about this over the next few months. Coming up with ideas for each letter wasn't difficult until the xyz's.&nbsp; But, that's the fun of the Challenge.<br /><br />Some sites made commenting too hard with their word verification still on and WordPress sites made some commenting too involved. I would give them two tries and that was it. I love that Blogger has now allowed me to reply to each commentor but, for this Challenge, I saved the commentors to a separate folder to make sure I got everyone for my responses and visits.<br /><br />NEXT year, I will plan my posts in advance and get them all lined up. Next year, I will plan my posts in advance and get them all lined up. Next year, I will plan... -- But, there will be a next year.<br /><br />I don't know how you can change the way you're doing things to be more effective. If it's broken up, then it's a different Challenge, altogether; isn't it? I love visiting the other blogs but I'm not going to follow all of them, if their subject matter is something I wouldn't normally follow, and I would expect the same from them. As an example, as enjoyable as visiting gaming bloggers, I'm not going to follow them. There has to be something of a shared interest and, with all the new bloggers on board, there's still plenty for everyone.<br /><br />Again, I want to thank everyone and hope to see you, next year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul></ul>SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-24047934839610851262012-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-30T19:31:02.061-07:00Z is for Zipping the A-Z Writing Challenge ClosedZ&nbsp;is for Zipped and Done&nbsp;in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />It seemed right that <a href="http://answers.yourdictionary.com/technology/inventions/who-invented-the-zipper.html" target="_blank">Zippers</a> should be the final entry in this year's challenge.&nbsp; Finished the project and zipping it closed until next year -- that's what I'm doing. Never thought I'd finish, with all the outside things to do begging for attention; but, apparently, there's little else to do between the hours of two and three in the morning, and, so, why not prepare the next post!<br /><br />We all love zippers, whether worn hidden in high-fashion or used as a statement in high-fashion, they make keeping ourselves contained so much easier; don't you think?&nbsp; Why is it that they are&nbsp;rarely referred to in novels? Just curious. Not sure how I'd do it but I know any one of you great authors out there can create the right scenario. I give you the 'go-to-it' sign!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/zippers/PleasureLeathers/P1000237.jpg?o=231" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss197/PleasureLeathers/P1000237.jpg" width="150" /></a></center>Obviously, this is far too in-your-face for my tastes; unless, of course, it's attached to a very good-looking young man looking for some cougar moments... (I digress... 's'cuse)<br /><br />Yet, we definitely want access to our many-pocketed gear holders and need them to be very obvious so that we&nbsp;know at a glance that they are closed and our contents safe, especially,&nbsp;when coming down the airline baggage chute!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/broken%20zippers/B1driver/Paintball/P9050111.jpg?o=7" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g406/B1driver/Paintball/P9050111.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />The only ones that irritate me, no end, are the nylon zippers that pop open in the center(!) and then you spend so much time trying to get them closed, evenly. And, they do this at the most inappropriate moments; don't you think?<br /><br />But, fellow Challengers, it's been a lovely April with so many interesting posts I've yet to visit (but, will, in the upcoming months) and hope that you've enjoyed the Challenge, too! Yes, it's time to close this year's event and tell you that I look forward to participating in next year's, as well. I even think I might get some&nbsp;posts scheduled, in advance. Ha, ha, ha. This last is not a real zipper but I loved the artist's conception and couldn't resist!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/zippers/faBuLouSx82/colors-4.jpg?o=167" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee168/faBuLouSx82/colors-4.jpg" width="213" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-19372037512207120862012-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-28T00:00:08.935-07:00Y is for Yellowback A-Z Writing ChallengeY is for Yellowback in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />Okay. Admit it. Some of you writers here on the Challenge&nbsp;have, in fact, read a&nbsp;cheap, sensational, novel; right? Novelette? Never?!?&nbsp; Mmmmmmm... I dunno.... I just dunno. If I told you that there's&nbsp;something to be said for a quick read that requires little, if any, thinking on your part, would you give it a try? C'mon, you can do it... it's just some cheap, sensational, yellowback, novel.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/detective%20novel/ganaimn/Detective%20Pulps/NickCarterFeb1934.jpg?o=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/ganaimn/Detective%20Pulps/NickCarterFeb1934.jpg" width="221" /></a></center><br />Yellow journalism is the lowest a writer&nbsp;can possibly go, in my opinion; but, writing a yellowback novel can be the start of a very lucrative career -- especially, under a catchy nom de plume.&nbsp;You're not tearing anyone down; you're just killing the King's English and taking the high road on prurient interest.&nbsp;You know people buy them. People just don't admit to buying them. "Someone" always gave it to them... or, they found it at the bus station. Right.<br />I think for a book to qualify as a Yellowback novel, it has to be, first of all, at least 200 pages long. Secondly,&nbsp;it must contain some form of&nbsp;sexy scene every nine pages, regardless of plot. The main character has to be enjoying&nbsp;erotic bliss in one form or another&nbsp;before discovering -- "Oh, oh, oh... that's it, Baby, that's perfect. You're the bes... -- Wait! What was I thinking? Of course!" -- the&nbsp;next clue.&nbsp; <br /><br />Yup, right in the short rows, all action stops and our hero says, "Love the moment, Babe, but just figured out why that key was in my sock! Gotta go.&nbsp;Will call, Babe. I promise.&nbsp;I'll bring donuts." <br /><br />And, off&nbsp;we go for another eight pages, until the hero succumbs to a little dalliance&nbsp;or the left-behind lady remembers "...&nbsp;that moment, when his hands..."<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/romance%20novel/mbeths/tn_romance.jpg?o=21" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p149/mbeths/tn_romance.jpg" /></a></center><br />The jacket design may or may not relate to the actual story between the covers. It's at the whim of&nbsp;Design and what is selling au courant. If red and white checked jackets are moving books off the shelves, you can bet your sweet bippy, there'll be red and white checks on your cover. But, that's not the point. <br /><br />The point is,&nbsp;yellowback writing is such fun to read. It gives your mind a chance to just let go and enjoy the ride&nbsp;-- and, oftentimes, that release helps resolve some sticky issues you may be having, elsewhere. We all know that to distract the mind will often leave room for solutions, so wouldn't it make sense to use that distraction time to read some wonderful yellowback novel? <br /><br />You'll never know, if you don't try. And, should you find that you just can't bring yourself to admit that you paid for it, you can tell family and friends that I loaned it to you. Yippee!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-88856293309896329982012-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-27T00:00:00.726-07:00X is for Xylophone A-Z Writing ChallengeX&nbsp;is for Xylophone in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />The xylophone is often confused with the vibraphone but they are two very distinctly different percussion instruments. For an in-depth clarification, <a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_7806731_difference-between-xylophone-vibraphone.html" target="_blank">here's</a> a nice start.&nbsp; With the xylophone being the oldest, dating back to 3500 B.C., it's an easy one to construct yourself, or, so they say.&nbsp;The toys we see are based on the xylophone, having a distinct tone for each rib. Can you remember these?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/xylophone/whymustyouloveme/randummm/Xylophone.jpg?o=182" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/whymustyouloveme/randummm/Xylophone.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/xylophone/FSUFanBob/xylophonecolor.jpg?o=218" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z312/FSUFanBob/xylophonecolor.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />But, my love of this percussion instrument came with listening to Benny Goodman's Band<br />and hearing Lionel Hampton, an all-round percussionist,&nbsp;make the angels cry with his vibraphone virtuosity.&nbsp;Here he is, introduced by none other than the Rage, Miss Patti Page,&nbsp;playing Flying Home on national television in 1957. Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R_rTICMVXQQ" width="420"></iframe></center><br /><br /><br /><center>&nbsp;</center><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-17221306496474846962012-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-26T00:00:03.896-07:00W is for Winning! Wrong! WTF! - A-Z Writing ChallengeW&nbsp;is for Winning! Wrong!&nbsp;WTF! in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />We all enjoy winning, don't we? Well, I do. Not every time there's a competition or drawing, but, at least, winning&nbsp;my share over a lifetime.&nbsp; (Okay. That's a lie. I do want to win ALL the time.) But, when you don't even realize you're in the running, winning is an even sweeter surprise. A feeling shared by my Gentleman Caller.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/hockey%20shirt/Marie48/Hockey%20Game/HockeyGame020.jpg?o=20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/Marie48/Hockey%20Game/HockeyGame020.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br />Apparently, it's a wonderful thing to win the shirt off a hockey player's back at the end of the season. My guess is, you really have to be a fan to want this, er, ah, honor. An honor, it appears, my Gentleman Caller aspires to and was beside himself with joy when he saw his name&nbsp;emblazoned on the big screen during the final period! Wow! He wasted no time scurrying down to the winner's circle.<br /><br />What were the odds? His excitement knew no bounds. But, wait! Imagine his shock when he was told, after showing his Driver's License for identification, that he didn't win.&nbsp;Nope,&nbsp;seems somebody else with the same name won.&nbsp; WTF?&nbsp;&nbsp; When introduced to each other (that must have been a head-snapping moment), they shake hands and begin to exchange personal information. OG (Other Gentleman) and&nbsp;my&nbsp;Gentleman Caller (GC) are almost the same age. And, he is, in fact, the winner because the prize shirt is given to a seat number. wtf...<br /><br />OG and GC begin talking and discover they live in the same town,&nbsp;attended the same college (OG entered college in the fall of&nbsp;the year GC graduated), followed the same careers, have season tickets that are in side-by-side sections of the same row.&nbsp;Will definitely get together, again. Winning!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-63295655866964716332012-04-25T07:36:00.000-07:002012-04-25T07:36:58.536-07:00V is for Vegetables and Visions A-Z Writing ChallengeV&nbsp;is for Vegetables and Visions in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />Most of you know that I like to garden -- edible vegetables!&nbsp; Oh, yeah, and, last night was my first meal from this year's garden, luscious fresh spinach&nbsp;with a variety of lettuces, green onions, and fresh herbs for my dressing. The broccoli heads were at different stages, but enough for a side dish. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWxXH3JiL6U/TcKgEVChhZI/AAAAAAAAAl8/vSDHGjoqsbA/s1600/DSC00313-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWxXH3JiL6U/TcKgEVChhZI/AAAAAAAAAl8/vSDHGjoqsbA/s320/DSC00313-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was during the selection of&nbsp;the best leaves and broccoli, plucking unwanted weeds, and watching my garden toad check for bugs, that it slowly dawned on me that&nbsp;my mind had retreated to that creative place so often visited&nbsp;in my studio when listening to classical music. It was like a holy place. <br /><br />I know. I know. That could be an extreme example but, yet, gardening is a very spiritual experience. You're trowel-in-handing&nbsp;the very life&nbsp;process that has sustained mankind since&nbsp;mankind discovered what seeds could do, how to keep them over winter, plant in the spring, and feed his family the following year. You've joined&nbsp;a long line of ancestors, performing the same simple tasks, leaving the mind free to wonder, wander, and -- oh, you know where I'm going -- and, write. Yes, write. The visions and thoughts you have while gardening is mental note-taking at its finest -- at least, for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11AK-ToKaMI/T5gHUG_twlI/AAAAAAAABWA/kDhlDrbGTio/s1600/2012-04-20+12.26.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11AK-ToKaMI/T5gHUG_twlI/AAAAAAAABWA/kDhlDrbGTio/s320/2012-04-20+12.26.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is this year's crop of mixed greens, butter crunch lettuce, spinach, and the Roma tomatoes in the back of my waist-high garden.&nbsp; Can you see the stand of green onions behind them? I love this garden. And, yes, I munch on&nbsp;fresh spinach as I check for weeds. It's all totally mindless and, when the church bells ring the hour, I'm often overwhelmed with&nbsp;the joy and beauty of keeping a garden. <br /><br />Now, mind you, the garden and orchard I keep in my retirement is nothing compared to the&nbsp;gardens I kept when I was younger. But, it more than feeds my smaller circle with plenty to put up for winter and spring use. And, it feeds my soul. So many half-finished ideas are firmed up whilst in the garden. Solutions to problems are revealed.&nbsp; And, new ideas sink deeper roots than when I'm anywhere else. I don't have my phone with me. No, this is my communion time with nature. No question, there's plenty of thoughts of food; but, the simplicity of it generates food for thought. At least, for me.<br /><br />Where do you find your moments for ideas? Do you have a special corner for your retreat and reflection? I used to think I needed a specially-designed corner (and, I do love them!) but, rarely do I get my best ideas when enjoying their privacy. Nope, it's the vegetable garden... I'm pretty sure I was a peasant in my previous lives. Have a great day. I'm gonna have a great salad!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-34772100552503974172012-04-24T13:35:00.000-07:002012-04-24T13:35:22.892-07:00U is for Unctuous Undercurrents- A-Z Writing ChallengeU&nbsp;is for Unctuous&nbsp;in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />Okay. I have to apologize. I hit the wrong date for publishing and this was supposed to be online, first thing PDT.... (I hang my head in shame.)<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Definition of UNCTUOUS</span><br /><div class="KonaBody" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="sblk"><div class="snum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 <span class="ssens"><em class="sn">a</em><strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty">fatty</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oily">oily</a> </span> <span class="ssens"> <span class="break"> </span><em class="sn">b</em><strong>:</strong> smooth and greasy in texture or appearance; </span>2<span class="ssens"><strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plastic">plastic</a> <span class="vi">&lt;fine <em>unctuous</em> clay&gt; and, </span></span></span></div></div><div class="sblk"><div class="snum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3<span class="ssens"><strong>:</strong> full of <a class="formulaic" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unction">unction</a>; <em>especially</em><strong>:</strong> revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality </span></span></div></div></div><br />We've all known them, not because we sought them out but because they were brought to us by others equally smitten by their charms. You know who I mean, that suave (slick suave, not classy suave) individual who looks at you with all the innocence of an angel.&nbsp;They say all the right things, appear to do all the right things and, yet, something inside tells us they are being unctuous to a fault -- at our expense. Think Eddie Haskell of Leave It To Beaver.&nbsp; (I wonder: did the writer even suggest 'unctuous' as a character aid?)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/eddie%20haskell/frankfiske/180px-Eddie_Haskell_played_by_actor.gif?o=10" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/frankfiske/180px-Eddie_Haskell_played_by_actor.gif" /></a></center><br />Isn't that the sweetest face, on earth? But, that's because he knows how to set his features into what pleases the one he's conning. That mind has a whole different set of plans working. As it is with most con men/women.<br /><br />More than most of us, these fellow humans have figured out how to read us. They know exactly how to say what we want to hear before moving in for the kill -- whether it's your pocketbook or your sense of security. The charlatans don't wear signs. Sadly, most of us don't see what they were until after the damage has been done.<br /><br />Would you buy a used car from this smarmy gentleman? Wouldn't you rather he be called unctuous?<br /><br /><center><br /><br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/smarmy/puck35/smarmyscilon.jpg?o=22" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/puck35/smarmyscilon.jpg" width="193" /></a></center><br />Unctuous is such a great word, really; don't you think? Yet, I've rarely seen it used in novels to describe characters. Oh, you get descriptions of backhanded, mealy-mouthed, double-dealing, fake, hypocritical, two-faced, insincere... and others you can think of, but, why won't fiction writers use "unctuous" when describing a jerk/jerkette? Is it because it's so complete in its own definition that writers would be left with nothing else to say?<br /><br />Just askin'... I'm not a fiction writer, as anyone can readily see from my (at this moment) very empty fiction blog! (Sigh... ) Would I stop reading, once you told me that new guy was unctuous, because I know how it all ends?&nbsp;What do you think?<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-77972796934532074282012-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-23T00:00:12.288-07:00T is for Time A-Z Writing ChallengeT is for Time in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/free" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Time is free Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u397/CuriositiesByDickens/time-is-free-cbd.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time is one of my favorite play-pretties, and it seems to be the same with my friends. It's exacting, elastic, exasperating, and unforgiving (I wish I would've thought of those three "E" words at the beginning of this challenge.).</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Those who view time at its most elastic, invariably, end up with those who prefer it to be exacting. Much like couples who are forever fighting over the thermostat. When viewed in its best light, having parents with opposite dedication to time would seem to create a more peaceful household. Bear in mind, I said "would seem." There really is no way to rush someone who habitually arrives 10 to 15 minutes after an event starts. They, on the other hand, &nbsp;have long since learned the trick of setting the clock back so that doesn't work, anymore.</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/backward%20clock/jpytops/rs/rabbitclock.gif?o=5" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af103/jpytops/rs/rabbitclock.gif" width="312" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">On the other, other, hand, I'm not sure what this says about their respect for the moment or for the people that they are meeting. We have chosen to live in a&nbsp;world that uses a clock to determine when and where events occur. It wouldn't surprise me to find a rebel within the heart of people who choose to not pay attention to the time. Is it because they're jealous? Is it because they're still carrying childhood anger? Or, is it because they are so self-absorbed, they just don't care about anyone else because nothing really happens until they arrive on the scene...</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In my early years, when I told time by&nbsp;my dinosaur's shadow, it was easy to be late on a rainy day. Living in a day when one merely has to look at one's cell phone for the time, just how many times do you have to 'understand' why someone is always late.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">When, as the legal profession says, "one's estate matures," your time is up. I don't imagine I'll be late for that event. How about you? Are you an on-time individual? Do you arrive ten minutes early? A half hour early? Or, are you the one who always shows up at the theater fifteen minutes late but still expects to be seated during the first act -- which seat, by the way, is invariably in the center of the row, down front... </span>&nbsp;</span></div><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-79356078088205583492012-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-21T10:27:25.797-07:00S is for Singing and Song Lyrics Writing ChallengeS&nbsp;is for Singing and Song Lyrics in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />Here I am, running around like a chicken with its head cut off, because I'm trying to get ready for the Midtown Market which opens for the first time, this season, in the morning. That means my butt has to be up by 5:30 a.m. and on its way to start setting up the tents, and all by 8:00 a.m.&nbsp; Well, there I was, rushing through the packing, humming, and, the first thing I knew, a song I wrote a few years ago popped into my head. It was just a silly little song that I wrote after overhearing some young women in the airport bathroom. My daughter had asked when I was going to write another song, when she kissed me goodbye before the flight and so it was on my mind.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJbe6wP_Ttc/TbRjLTre7_I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/moLr8LT-I_8/s1600/DSC00262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJbe6wP_Ttc/TbRjLTre7_I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/moLr8LT-I_8/s200/DSC00262.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />The ladies were arguing about one's ex-husband whose check was always coming back NSF from the bank. Her friend suggested she call him and she responded, "No way. Why should I? When his blankety-blank check clears the bank, I'll take his call!"&nbsp; Well, if that isn't a country song, I don't know what is, and this is what I had written before the plane got in the air. I'll be back and&nbsp;let you hear it with the music when I figure out how to do the audio thingy, over the weekend.<br /><br /><strong>When&nbsp;Your Check Clears the Bank, I'll Take Your Call</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>You're telling everybody, 'bout the time you had it all.</strong><br /><strong>Of our babies and our happy home, before you spoiled it all.</strong><br /><strong>You say, it's really me, you love; she was just a fling, that's all.</strong><br /><strong>Well, when you're check clears the bank, I'll take your call.</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>Chorus:&nbsp; </strong><br /><strong>Yes, when your check clears the bank, I'll take your call.</strong><br /><strong>I've learned to live without you, and your stumbling down the hall.</strong><br /><strong>You can have your rhinestone dollies, noisy jukebox, barroom brawls.</strong><br /><strong>And, when your check clears the bank, I'll take your call.</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>You say she's here, most every night, painted up to help men fall.</strong><br /><strong>A real tall drink, letting them forget, that license on the wall.</strong><br /><strong>She'll leave you in a heartbeat, when she finds you've spent it all.</strong><br /><strong>And, when your check clears the bank, I'll take your call.</strong><br /><br />Now, I'm the first to admit, that isn't Sibelius, but it's catchy and most folks remembered it, enough, to ask for it by name, while singing some of the lines to me. That's the sign of a good song -- one that folks remember long after they've heard it. And, to think, that little ditty started in an airport bathroom.&nbsp; Lyrics are everywhere; don't you agree! &nbsp; <br /><br />Well, that's my S Challenge. Have a great weekend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-11691848636224785442012-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-20T07:09:56.937-07:00R is for the Renaissance Man/Woman A-Z Writing Challenge<r&nbsp;is <a="" for="" href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" in="" man="" renaissance="" target="_blank" the="" woman="">R is for the Renaissance Man/Woman&nbsp;in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>.<br /><br />The Renaissance Man or Woman is&nbsp;a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath" target="_blank">polymath</a> or someone with expertise in a wide variety of subjects. It was considered a compliment and a perfectly natural way of life a century or two back. You didn't stop learning, you were capable in the homily trades and, after you had studied one field, you expanded your knowledge into other areas of science, music, math, to develop a well-rounded mind.&nbsp;This was not something to be sneered at but a goal you wanted to achieve. More importantly, you took pride in your accomplishments and responsibility for your mistakes. <br /><br /></r&nbsp;is><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/renaissance%20man/dailydust/Renaissance%20Art%20History/PortraitofaMan1400to1430.jpg?o=137" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa461/dailydust/Renaissance%20Art%20History/PortraitofaMan1400to1430.jpg" width="217" /></a></center><br />Today, being able to do many things is often sneered at, as though the person is so diversified they are willy-nilly about life and can't accomplish anything of value. The focus is on singular abilities, working&nbsp;within&nbsp;a team, and no one taking responsibility for mistakes because it was a group effort. We have become a country of&nbsp;singularly-trained people who can't even exercise without someone else telling them when to bend over and doing the counting for them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/jack%20of%20all%20trades/carmi97/Picnikcollage-5.jpg?o=62" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr296/carmi97/Picnikcollage-5.jpg" width="200" /></a></center><br /><br />In a rather convoluted way, writers fall into&nbsp;this stew of knowing much&nbsp;to-do but little&nbsp;how-to.&nbsp; 'Write about what you know' doesn't really mean you have to physically do everything you refer to in a story but that you've researched it enough&nbsp;so that you do know what you're talking about. In an Internet&nbsp;world where web sites&nbsp;have the singular purpose of finding fault and making sure the world knows about it, anything less than strong research from reliable sources&nbsp;would be&nbsp;very foolish, indeed.<br /><br />Want to have some fun? Try this:&nbsp;Write a paragraph about&nbsp;flying a store-bought&nbsp;kite.&nbsp; Next, make a kite&nbsp;from scratch, fly it, then write a paragraph about flying that kite.&nbsp; In a hundred ways, this exercise highlights the difference between knowledge and experience. Can we do everything for ourselves, today, and still live in the 21st Century? Not really. You would never leave your home. But, that doesn't mean you can't do much of what needs to be done for yourself. The tools and resources are there and waiting for you to make use of them. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/jack%20of%20all%20trades" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="jack of all trades Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="200" src="http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/disworkshop/Dads%20video%201/19.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><br />Without tolling the bell for utter disaster, I believe there's going to come a time when people are going to have to, once again, rely on themselves, kith and kin, to take care of the basics. Will we run out of energy? Not in many lifetimes, but we are going to run out of people with the capability to do the basics should the worst happen, if we don't stop belittling the trades. <br /><br />It's heartening to see that there is a movement afoot to bring back the old skills. They call it 'greening.' It's really nothing more than being able to care for one's own.&nbsp; So many young&nbsp;adults&nbsp;have no idea what it means to pull their own weight within a family, developing&nbsp;the self-esteem that comes from being needed. "Oh, I want my child to have a happy childhood!" A noble thought, but, that's throwing out the baby with the bath water. You have to raise children to live in an adult world and, what you don't teach at the knee, you'll never accomplish in the teens. Every stage in a human's life is preparation for adulthood and a place within their community. Thinking anything less, to me, smacks of a sense of self-importance that boggles the mind.<br /><br />Women have been Janes-of-all-Trades since the beginning of time. Today, it's called multi-tasking and&nbsp;it has become a goal in the male-dominated business world, mostly, within the last thirty years.&nbsp;Computers are visible on more bosses' desks, as they interact with customers and clients. Lawyers are able to set up offices without&nbsp;support staff, outsourcing only the phone services and payroll tasks.&nbsp; And, honestly, I've often wondered how much trouble the&nbsp;world would have been in, had our bankers and financiers been made to do more than just focus on how to merge companies into conglomerates,&nbsp;acquire more money, and taking a piece of everybody's pie. &nbsp;Sometimes, there's just too much time available to single-tasking that can be just as dangerous as an idle mind.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/scrooge%20mcduck/Surreptitious_Romantic/1679udu_th.gif?o=55" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae97/Surreptitious_Romantic/1679udu_th.gif" width="200" /></a></center><br />You don't have to know everything about everything; but, unless it's going to be your source of income,&nbsp;focusing on just one thing&nbsp;isn't necessarily the best thing, either. To me, the resourceful person&nbsp;can survive all the ups and downs of a lifetime.&nbsp;It seems to me that becoming a 21st Century Reneaissance Man/Woman could be quite liberating!&nbsp; What do you think?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-26107902809804622792012-04-19T09:58:00.000-07:002012-04-19T09:58:48.749-07:00Q is for Questions - A-Z Writing ChallengeQ&nbsp;is for Questions in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br />Questions, questions, questions. Sometimes, it feels as though my head is a-swirl with questions. One answer is never satisfactory. I need answers from&nbsp;different sources to formulate my own currently acceptable answer. See, even my own answers require constant adjustment!&nbsp;My quest for answers is a non-stop journey, like sweeping off waves before they sweep over me -- if you know what I mean.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/waves%20crashing/paki6090/20070502220227_ocean_waves.jpg?o=12" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo291/paki6090/20070502220227_ocean_waves.jpg" /></a></center><br />Truth to tell, the Information Highway has added its own double-edged sword of&nbsp;allure and nightmare&nbsp;to the resource mix. I used to love planning a trip to the&nbsp;library&nbsp;for a sweet&nbsp;day of research. Like a hard-soled detective, I'd amass snips of this and bits&nbsp;of that on 3x5 cards from&nbsp;a table piled high with reference books. I still use the cards when web surfing&nbsp;for honing my resources, but have graduated to the 4x6 size. Then, with fresh pens and composition book in my little yellow basket, I'll traipse on down to my&nbsp;library with&nbsp;far less distractions. Oh, yes! Less distractions. I'm not even sure it's possible to just stop at one web site, without clicking those pretty little highlighted links -- know what I mean? Can't happen with a hard-copy book. Just serious research -- that is, if I can stay away from library computers!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/books%20on%20table" target="_blank"><img alt="old books for table decor Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="320" src="http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac43/reneeswansonphotography/Wedding%20Inspiration/PF0003_2010091801_0017.jpg" width="213" /></a></center><center>&nbsp;</center>How do you research? There's that burning question about ???? and your next step is to pursue the answer... Do you start with a fresh pack of index cards? <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/index%20cards/sweetbalm/lj/hunt/36indexcard.jpg?o=65" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r426/sweetbalm/lj/hunt/36indexcard.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Go online and check out one or two sites? Or, fill your walls with Post-it notes?&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/post-it%20notes/smitten_lala/postitnotes.jpg?o=95" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh13/smitten_lala/postitnotes.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />Would love you to share.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-80155050155444634312012-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-18T00:00:06.710-07:00P is for Procrastination - A-Z Writing ChallengeP&nbsp;is for Procrastination in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/writing/moony1712/MY%20BLOG/start-writing-life-story-800x800-1.jpg?o=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b455/moony1712/MY%20BLOG/start-writing-life-story-800x800-1.jpg" /></a></center><center>&nbsp;</center>Are you a procrastinator -- putting off, today, what could have been an easy task to another day that turns into a frenzied nightmare of catch-up?&nbsp; As a writer, I'm often asked how&nbsp;I'm able to come up with ideas for my blog. Frankly, I've never thought about it, the process, you know, other than letting my subconscious feed me from&nbsp;the beautifully honed words of others that come from my deep love of reading. My Career Day opening line is always,&nbsp;"Who loves homework?"&nbsp; That's when I tell them the truth,&nbsp;that writing is non-stop homework and what they'll be doing for the rest of their lives. So, they better love it.&nbsp;You can actually see a career change in their eyes -- except, for that one guy in the back, focused on my every word.&nbsp;This guy wants to write.<br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/focused/gorillak/55908705.jpg?o=134" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l154/gorillak/55908705.jpg" width="214" /></a></center><center>&nbsp;</center><center>&nbsp;</center>But, it's important to understand that writers, just as anyone else, have to deal with their own patterns of procrastinating. Some need inspiration&nbsp; and do it by mingling with the public.<br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/shopping%20mall/littlelulu13903/shopping-mall.jpg?o=20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn78/littlelulu13903/shopping-mall.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />Others find that quiet contemplation is what helps them discover where their Muse has fled and whether or not they're up to the deadline task, after all.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/fishing%20in%20the%20sunset/waj30/crush-fishing.jpg?o=18" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z186/waj30/crush-fishing.jpg" width="200" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">And, then, we have the writer who believes in letting the mind flow without editing.&nbsp;</div><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/artist%20at%20easel/hyperhermin/100_3497.jpg?o=20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/hyperhermin/100_3497.jpg" width="240" /></a></center><br />Finding the right tablet can help the procrastinator buckle down to the job.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/writing%20a%20letter" target="_blank"><img alt="Amarna letter Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/dontbugme29/Amarna_Akkadian_letter.png" /></a></center><br />While others find their confidence in other ways. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/drunken%20monkey/jjh4/Monkey/drunkenmonkeys.jpg?o=33" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w25/jjh4/Monkey/drunkenmonkeys.jpg" /></a></center><br />Sometimes, one procrastinates by tidying up that desk full of inspirational notes.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/work%20stopped/sneezehorse/hike131/004.jpg?o=12" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q13/sneezehorse/hike131/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />And, some of us need pretty intense outlines before we can finish the job.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/work%20stopped/tbain24/5-5-09/Raja154.jpg?o=7" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq342/tbain24/5-5-09/Raja154.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />Outside events can also occur and procratination isn't the problem; it's a side effect.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/sleeping%20cat/stuffthatmakesmechuckle/cat_sleeping_1-1.jpg?o=44" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt240/stuffthatmakesmechuckle/cat_sleeping_1-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />And, then, there's that time of year when we&nbsp;wait to the last minute to pay the piper -- even, with the extra two days, this year! My guess is, I'm not alone, here.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/taxes/lbwebster/taxes.jpg?o=12" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/lbwebster/taxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><center>&nbsp;</center><br /><div align="left">Yes, I'm a procrastinator (head hanging low) and wasn't ready for the P in the Challenge, resulting in this pictorial journey.&nbsp; But, then, it all came together!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/woman%20at%20computer/Balticprince/angry-cartoon-woman-seated-shooting-computer1.jpg?o=57" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/angry-cartoon-woman-seated-shooting-computer1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank Q!</div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-7282858399711093142012-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-17T00:00:11.013-07:00O is for Opinions - A-Z Writing ChallengeO is for Opinions in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/speaking%20out/leyannwink/Speaking_Out.jpg?o=7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f320/leyannwink/Speaking_Out.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to the Internet, we have a plethora of blogs written by women who freely share their opinions on&nbsp;everything that interests them, as well as blogs focused on&nbsp;specific interests.&nbsp;All are wonderful to read and show a depth of understanding that bodes well for our future. They are so prevalent, it's hard to believe there was a time&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: small;">when women were not allowed to have opinions, much less, speak them. Their husbands would give them their opinions!&nbsp;I'm not even going to address that. It's nice to pretend that attitude hasn't changed; but, I can assure you, it's just as prevalent, today, as it was just a very short time ago.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The 'How can she?" "What's wrong with her?" attitude is there in the body language,&nbsp;the rolling eyes, the mouth-mimicking hand, the shared looks of pity,&nbsp;that there's been a social faux pas --&nbsp;a woman has dared speak out and share an opinion. (As if there's a special place&nbsp;for women who don't voice an opinion around men.&nbsp; Well, there is; it's called childhood and servitude.) Of course, the rudest&nbsp;signal is from someone who feels so superior&nbsp;they show their hand to the speaker.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/talking%20hand/jersey_ebony/thnks035.jpg?o=38" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc218/jersey_ebony/thnks035.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/talking%20hand/jersey_ebony/thnks035.jpg?o=38" target="_blank"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">What is an opinion? An opinion is nothing more than the accumulated personal knowledge you have on any given subject. No one else will have this opinion! Isn't that wonderful! It follows, therefore, that there is no such thing as a wrong opinion.&nbsp; Don't ever let anyone tell you, otherwise. We can't help but have an opinion because our brains are geared to make sense of our world and surroundings and we have to answer questions that linger, thus forming our opinions.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">That doesn't mean we can't change those opinions when faced with more&nbsp; complete information. That's the sign of an adult mind&nbsp;-- someone not locked into their way and only their way of thinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;By the same token, don't always assume everyone else has all the right information and that you don't.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/speaking%20out/acfrassoni/Picture89.jpg?o=53" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll39/acfrassoni/Picture89.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In forming an opinion, we&nbsp;bring our own prejudices and misinterpretations, in addition to any given us by others who may or may not have more current&nbsp;information. Facts can change, sometimes, within the very decade of an event because information becomes obsolete with every upgrade of equipment.&nbsp;A strong person will have no problem in refining or changing their opinion. The person who plays&nbsp;"devil's advocate" helps you to clarify your facts and reshape your opinion, if necessary. On the other hand, the&nbsp;devil's advocate who refuses to alter their thinking, in the face of new evidence, is simply being mule-headed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I personally feel that opinions are a necessary part of human communication. It is only by speaking out that we can validate&nbsp;where we stand on ideas and issues.&nbsp;Now, there are people who will tell you that you have a right to your opinion (not always a friendly statement) but will insist that you accept their way of thinking or you become their enemy. Whilst that may be true so far as patriotic allegiance, it becomes ridiculous when you're discussing a favorite chocolate bar, color, or book. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/speak%20no%20evil/takethatbiches/Real%20Smiles/149929_135124903208446_100001328106427_176348_404637_n.jpg?o=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff363/takethatbiches/Real%20Smiles/149929_135124903208446_100001328106427_176348_404637_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">NOT having an opinion, to me, is scary. That means you can be swayed in any direction or are willing to let others make all your decisions. A pattern that easily leads to gossip and, sometimes, shunning. Following a 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' way of communicating will always make you a welcome guest in any group.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: small;">Opinions can be shared without attacking someone else or&nbsp;demanding that they feel as you feel.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/teddy%20roosevelt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Teddy Roosevelt - Signed Photo Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="320" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/Ronbiblio/STOCK/teddy1.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Sharing an opinion doesn't mean shouting and hollering over another person until they see things your way, either. I think Teddy Roosevelt said it best when he said, "You have the right to an opinion; but, thank God,&nbsp;within that right is not the&nbsp;right to be taken seriously."&nbsp; There are no wrong opinions and you have as much right to share yours as the next person, without someone trying to make you feel bad. It's the best way to have an honest relationship. &nbsp;Of course, that's only my opinion.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!<br /><br /><br />SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-26848340963770329292012-04-16T07:53:00.000-07:002012-04-16T07:53:09.863-07:00N is for Nurture and Navigation - A-Z Writing ChallengeN&nbsp;is for Nurture and Navigation in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/raise%20a%20child/roses4rochy/inspirational/TrainChild.jpg?o=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z245/roses4rochy/inspirational/TrainChild.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Proverbs 22:6 teaches us to, "Raise a child in the way he should go</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and when he is old he will not depart from it." This is stated in a variety of ways in the&nbsp;Bibles available, today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />There are many who will argue that this is the church's way of making sure they will continue to have followers by training the minds of the very young before they have full discernment<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a good argument, but, I think,&nbsp;limited. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't believe that&nbsp;is&nbsp;the full intent of this verse. </span>To me, it's meant more as a guide to help you navigate your child through to adulthood, as well as&nbsp;provide them with a source of strength for when times are difficult.<br /><br /><br />Nurturing and navigation go hand-in-hand, in my opinion,&nbsp;when raising a child. There will always be those who want to completely ignore anything that smacks of the previous generation. But, isn't this&nbsp;just as dangerous as those who refuse to incorporate the new generation with the old? When adults expect their children to not only follow in their footsteps but, in many cases, continue to use the very shops and supplies they've&nbsp;been using, it can be&nbsp;very stressful for everyone. The parents who treat anything other than total compliance as a personal betrayal can be&nbsp;the most destructive to a child's sense of self. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knowing a child's capabilities and interests and then helping them&nbsp;make their own dreams come true is productive nurturing. This is the&nbsp;parent as&nbsp;navigator, as both enter unknown waters and&nbsp;the adult's experience&nbsp;helps the child find their way. The adult doesn't do what has to be done but guides through the obstacles and training needed to achieve those goals.&nbsp; Those goals may be totally opposite from what the parent&nbsp;expected, and that's perfectly all right. It's the child life, now, and with a parent's support, they can bring the full strength of their interest and focus on achieving the&nbsp;life they want to lead.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/raise%20a%20child/mikeanthony06/Raiseachild.jpg?o=2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o4/mikeanthony06/Raiseachild.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>&nbsp;It may have taken a village to raise a child in year's past; but, I'm not so sure we have villages available for our children, nowadays. Families are scattered all over the globe, broken through divorce, death, and simple job placement. Our neighbors are strangers and we dare not suggest anyone discipline their child. The immediate parent is all that's left to help the child's self-esteem and sense of worth, and that's a pretty big job.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> In the rapid-changing high-tech world of today, there are careers available that were unheard of a mere twenty years ago. It's a world the child knows a&nbsp;lot more about than most parents want to admit. They need guidance, but not control. They want your advice but they want to be able to choose to not take it without being disowned or made to feel like a traitor to the family.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The nurturer cares for the psyche of their child, making them&nbsp;feel good about&nbsp;decisions about their own future, without pressure. The navigator helps them work through the training and&nbsp;documents needed to help them reach their goals. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The control freak withholds information that would be helpful, takes offense at any and all opposition, and enables them to take their time finding their way. And, that's how I look at Proverbs 22:6.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/navigation/kritikakritishma/Navigation.png?o=12" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s203/kritikakritishma/Navigation.png" width="320" /></a></div>Are you a nurturer-navigator? Do you help your child to navigate through the obstacles of their dreams? Or, do you take offence whenever they suggest something different from what you think they should be doing? What was your experience within your own family when it came to make career choices? Did you follow your dream?<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-62153118962076474992012-04-14T12:30:00.000-07:002012-04-14T07:34:04.195-07:00M is for Marmalade - A-Z Writing ChallengeM&nbsp;is for Marmalade in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/marmalade" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="marmalade Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e28/Celitmarifia/edi-orange-marmalade.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marmalade/thegildedbee/Marmalade%20Toast/marmaladetoast016.jpg?o=754" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae206/thegildedbee/Marmalade%20Toast/marmaladetoast016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Marmalade is my absolute favorite of all the jellied, jammed, preserved, fruits! All over the world, marmalades are made and embellished (my favorite embellishment is&nbsp;Scottish Whisky) and can be added to so many other recipes that it's a perfect food, in my book. This is a pictorial posting. Let's start with breakfast!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marmalade/geetar_guy1973/ToastandMarmalade.jpg?o=691" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r1/geetar_guy1973/ToastandMarmalade.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make sure we have plenty more for future meals and moments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/marmalade" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="marmalade Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm226/DoomzDayDevice/SNC00228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Then, some put by<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/marmalade" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Marmalade Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="275" src="http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp306/pabs012/Album%202/Marmalade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Don't forget the presents</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marmalade/EPhotos2005/dc83b5f0.jpg?o=435" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/EPhotos2005/dc83b5f0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marmalade/ajkst1/Marmalade.jpg?o=164" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div>Some marmalade in a cake<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marmalade/craftybanker39/Oct07061.jpg?o=844" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc285/craftybanker39/Oct07061.jpg" /></a></div><br />And, then, some Marmalade for dessert!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/marmalade/bluehorn1970/TheMarmalade.jpg?o=163" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc20/bluehorn1970/TheMarmalade.jpg" /></a></div><br />Do you like marmalade?&nbsp; I think I'll go have some on toast, right now!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #424 in a group of 1682 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-74700666428124745452012-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-13T14:38:57.501-07:00L is for Left Behind A-Z Writing ChallengeL&nbsp;is for Left Behind in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/little%20girl%20lost/ImKattt/James%20MM/LITTLEGIRLLOST.jpg?o=94" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh127/ImKattt/James%20MM/LITTLEGIRLLOST.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><br />Three weeks into December in the small Massachusetts town, where doors were left unlocked and the neighbors helped raise the children, was a long, long, time ago, she was told. Well, for everyone else; but, not&nbsp;for&nbsp;her. Not now, anyway. Not after the memories began to link up&nbsp;in&nbsp; that last session and the pictures came back. Not when, now, they won't stop. <br /><br />It was around 6:30 in the evening, when she arrived at the dark and empty house after her&nbsp;Brownie meeting in the church basement. She loved Mondays because she could wear her Brownie outfit to school and then go directly to the church, located just a block from the school,&nbsp;with her&nbsp;friends.&nbsp;She wore a wool coat over the thin&nbsp;uniform,&nbsp;legs covered by Brownie knee socks and shod&nbsp;with cream and red leather saddle shoes that were polished with mahogany paste to tone down the red. Four bobby pins held her cap in place,&nbsp;making sure the little gold Brownie leaping into the future was positioned exactly in the middle of the front&nbsp;panel. <br /><br />It was a small town, back then, and&nbsp;perfectly safe to walk the mile and a half home. So much to see; so many friends to wave you on with a, "You hurry home, now. You don't want to miss supper!"<br /><br />December is cold in Massachusetts. During the day, it has a median temperature of 63° that begins to drop as soon as the sun goes down. The Brownie meeting lasted until 5:30 p.m. and she could feel it getting colder on the walk home.&nbsp; She wasn't worried because she knew there would be a nice hot meal waiting for her. Best of all, there would be no school until after the holidays. <br /><br />But, that was before she turned the corner onto her street and felt the difference. Even from so far away, the house seemed dark and, when she reached her front door, it was locked. She walked around to the&nbsp;back door that lead to the kitchen, and it was locked, too. Even though it was dark, now, she saw that there were no lights on in the house and no one came to the door when she rang the bell. She wasn't afraid. She sat down on the kitchen&nbsp;stoop and decided to wait. Sometimes, her Mom had to pick something up at the corner grocery and she knew it would be just&nbsp;a matter of&nbsp;minutes before they came back.<br /><br />By 7:30, she was still waiting and she&nbsp;moved out to the curb so that she wouldn't miss the family&nbsp;car when it turned the corner. It was very cold, now, and she was&nbsp;hungry. Looking forward to a hot meal had lightened her step on the walk home; but, that was more than an hour ago and the cold made her tummy hurt. Covering her legs with&nbsp;her skirt helped keep them warmer than no covering, at all,&nbsp;but it was getting harder and harder to find a place without wind, so she moved into the hedge, where she could still see the street.<br /><br />She&nbsp;was shaken awake by her neighbor from down the street, who seemed so upset, it was hard to understand what she was saying. "What are you doing, here? It's nine-forty. You should be with your family. They've moved! The moving truck was here, this afternoon, and&nbsp;they followed in the car.&nbsp; Your mother said your family was moving to another state. Oh, my God, come with me. You're freezing! Oh, my God, what am I supposed to do?" All <strong>she</strong> heard was, "...they've moved -- they moved, this afternoon... to another state... "<br /><br />They were gone. They had moved. They had moved out of her house. That was why no one answered the door when she rang the bell. They&nbsp;had moved to another&nbsp;state. She would never see her family, again, because they had moved, they... had... left... her.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her neighbor insisted she come into her house and take a hot bath to get warm. Then, her neighbor let her wear her beautiful pink bathrobe with the rose on the pocket&nbsp;and fed her some hot chicken noodle soup. She was hungry and had eaten two bowls before she remembered her manners and apologized for eating so much.&nbsp;Her neighbor said it was all right, she could have more, if she wanted,&nbsp;and that she could play with the little glass animals that were up&nbsp;on the shelf, while her neighbor called some people. Later, when she was really enjoying the little&nbsp;menagerie, &nbsp;a policeman and two ladies came and said they were bringing her to a safe place, until "... it was all sorted out." <br /><br />She was later told that, when the police had found her family, they were unpacking the truck and&nbsp;setting up the kitchen, that her mother said they had discovered she wasn't with them about halfway to their destination and they had to meet the truck at the new house, so they couldn't really turn around.&nbsp; But, that her mother and father decided&nbsp;she was resourceful enough to go to a neighbor's and they planned on coming&nbsp;back for her, the next day. But, that's not what happened.&nbsp; Not, at all. She was brought to the Home and it was almost a week before she was allowed to see her mother and father. They had to show someone that it really&nbsp;was just a mistake.<br /><br />In the car, on the way to the new house, her mother told her how much she had embarrassed them and that she should be ashamed of herself. Her mother said she shouldn't have gone to the Brownie meeting. When she asked if her sister said anything about her not being with them, her mother said that her sister was&nbsp;happy&nbsp;it was just her and her brother because she never wanted a baby sister. <br /><br />The little girl went inside&nbsp;to her safe place... until, now.<br /><br />How do you forget your own&nbsp;child? How can four separate people not care enough to notice she was missing during the first few&nbsp;miles? How could they&nbsp;not turn back? What did she do that was so wrong, nobody wanted her, anymore?&nbsp; She doesn't know if she will ever know the answer but that's not important. She&nbsp;learned not to expect people to stay in her life&nbsp;and, when they go, she's not disappointed because she has a safe place, inside.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #401 in a group of 1802 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-70594028281501944522012-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-12T23:42:43.210-07:00K is for Kissing - A-Z Writing ChallengeK&nbsp;is for Kissing or Osculation in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/romance%20kiss" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kiss Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" height="229" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/catliya/Romance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Hands down,&nbsp;we humans have it over&nbsp;other bipeds on this planet. And, because there are some cultures that don't believe in kissing on the mouth, I'm glad I belong to one that does. It's really a lovely part of moving toward full intimacy. Moving toward...&nbsp; well,&nbsp;current movies, and how fast kissing begins. The majority of stories seem to have&nbsp;removed all the romance from kissing. Does this younger generation understand just how provocative and soul-thrumming a soft approach kiss can be?&nbsp;Given the benefit of the doubt, coupled with a less&nbsp;than five-second attention span, I suppose it is possible they could forget what they're doing if they didn't just go for broke at the outset and -- well,&nbsp;that's just speculation... </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> Contrary to current storylines, detectives don't bed new female clients in the first ten minutes of a&nbsp;meeting -- I don't care how good-looking the parties are; they don't.&nbsp;Granted, it does make the show more titillating, whilst stretching&nbsp;credulity, but,&nbsp;I have to&nbsp;wonder at the life experiences of the writer and --&nbsp;I know, I know, I digress. Bottom line, most detectives I know want to make sure the check clears the bank before getting too comfortable with a new account!</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/kissing/nbitalianplayer/a.jpg?o=130" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p329/nbitalianplayer/a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Let's return to romance. You know, the good old-fashioned romantic kissing that made you want more because the kisser made it so special. &nbsp;Kissing every Tom Dick and Harry devalues your kisses. Splurge your kisses on babies,&nbsp;seniors, friends in greeting, the ill (we all need human touch), if you must splurge&nbsp;–&nbsp;given on the cheek or hand to show closeness and caring. Well, that's my opinion. By the way, if you really want to know whether or not a man truly loves&nbsp;and values you, one of his first kisses will be on your forehead. You can't make him do it – that wouldn't be the same. It's one of those natural things. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/kissing/LostButYetNotGrey/kissing.jpg?o=147" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a120/LostButYetNotGrey/kissing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A first kiss with someone you really like is one of the most delicious experiences on earth.&nbsp;Waiting for that first kiss can be so delightfully excruciating, there are some people who want to experience it over and over, and just keep moving through relationships. That's too bad, because follow-up kissing can be fantastic, too. And, those kisses you get after having lived for years with the one you love can be an almost holy experience. (I apologize to all the young whipper-snappers who think they're the only ones who can experience romance. Truth is, you can enjoy it throughout your life!)</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Oh, yes,&nbsp;that first kiss. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Did you ever wonder how and where some boys learn&nbsp;to kiss? From a talk with their fathers?&nbsp;their buddies with as little experience as they have? or,&nbsp;a book? I think some boys are confident and natural kissing a girl, while others need to feel more secure before attempting that first kiss. Wouldn't it make more sense&nbsp;to go slow and discover how each enjoys kissing before assuming that what worked with someone else is going to work for everyone? Did you have rules for kissing? These are my main ones. What were some of your kissing rules?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>3 Rules for First-Date Kissing/Osculation</strong></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">1. Clean breath and mouth is important. Carry some form of breath freshener with you, especially, if you're a smoker. Take a few seconds and take a drink of water or something to clean your mouth of&nbsp;food.&nbsp;Your date can SEE what's still clinging to your lips and teeth, you know. And, if you're one of those people who can't feel food on your lips and chin, develop the habit of using your napkin after every bite or visiting the rest&nbsp;room, after the meal, to check your mouth and teeth in the mirror.&nbsp;&nbsp;Food all over your face, mouth, and teeth,&nbsp;is a big turnoff to a girl (and, I'm assuming, for a boy, as well). </span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">2. Wet kisses are great, once you've broken the ice,&nbsp;but please don't&nbsp;be obvious about wetting your lips for that first kiss. Your date may not be all that anxious to share ALL your germs. It's like having a sloppy, wet, dishcloth pressed against your lips and all you can think about is the germs that are being transferred. And,&nbsp;if you have a cold, you might want to rethink the whole kissing on the mouth thing.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">3. Please don't open your mouth like you're going to swallow your lady love for that first kiss. It's really quite overwhelming to see the top of your head disappear behind your upper lip and the&nbsp;maws&nbsp;of a Great White&nbsp;zeroing in on you, when all you really wanted was a precious moment. That does not translate to a precious moment and&nbsp;you look ridiculous. Stop it. There'll be plenty of time for this more intimate form of kissing, when you know each other...</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyWpBKDmDq0/T4XhSj0cYjI/AAAAAAAABO8/IvBLj-tnMyg/s1600/bigteeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyWpBKDmDq0/T4XhSj0cYjI/AAAAAAAABO8/IvBLj-tnMyg/s200/bigteeth.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://funnyhumor.com/">FunnyHumor.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">I think first kisses should start out gentle&nbsp;with someone you really like.&nbsp;It shouldn't be the same as the kiss from the end of the journey. If he says he can't help himself, he's not interested in you, he's interested in his own pleasure.&nbsp; How can someone you've just met be grabby and possessive? If he's really&nbsp;interested in you, your feelings are just as important&nbsp;as his own. His actions are gentle until he knows how you really feel, not grabby and possessive.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/romantic%20quotes" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="romantic quotes Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u314/Princess3872/QUOTES/romantic-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: small;">Kissing is part of the physical language of love and can be heightened by&nbsp;poetry or billets-doux hidden in a bouquet or a pocket.&nbsp;But, the words chosen do make a difference. Would the following turn your head, if your love whispered them in your ear?</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Osculation distributes pathogens,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">as has been promulgated.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, snoggle me, baby;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm inoculated!</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I think you may remember it, better, this way:</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kissing spreads germs, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">as it has been stated.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> kiss me, baby; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm vaccinated!</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I think I'd rather have a first kiss, than a first osculation; how about you?</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #401 in a group of 1802 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491777258337612223.post-40061567341701588012012-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-12T19:05:22.547-07:00J is for Journal - A-Z Writing ChallengeJ is for Journal in the&nbsp; <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">2012 A-Z Writing Challenge</a>. <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Do you keep a journal?</span></strong> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/journaling" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Journaling Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/DSanga27/journaling.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I was growing up, a journal was something one kept that was far more exacting than a diary. You were recording your feelings about friends and events that you wanted to remember and pass on. And, it never got vicious -- you meant for it to survive the ages and be read by future generations.. (Narcissistic, I know.) My little Dear Diary (rarely kept beyond the first month, or two) with the attached key, revealed the emotional roller coaster of my transition from girl to teen. And, the spell of keeping a 'private' diary was broken as soon as my siblings would find it and share my heart with their world, laughing all the time. <br /><br />And, then, I had another journal that was (I thought) kept well-hidden because I never told anyone about it. Nothing shocked me more than when I came upon my husband reading that journal with his breakfast coffee. I felt invaded in a way that, even today, I find hard to describe. He said he 'found' it.<br /><br />When asked what he was doing reading my private Journal, he said it was his way of getting to know me better and to know what I was thinking. So, I asked for his journal so that I could get to know him better and what he was thinking. He said didn't have one because his thoughts were private. (I am NOT touching the psychology behind that dynamic!) That journal, whilst not revealing my absolute deepest feelings about my little life, was my place to explore, come to terms with, and resolve my feelings, about anything that was important to me, at the time. He destroyed that and I never wrote, openly, in the journal, again. It had, then, become just another job. Soon after, I stopped writing in it, altogether. <br /><br />But, my point is that an offline journal is where your venting belongs. Repeat: Blogging is an illusory world. You live with real people. There's really no excuse for hurting others because you feel a certain way and compelled to write about them, at the time of writing. And, that's the key phrase, <strong>at the time of writing</strong>. We all change, as we grow up, and gain an understanding that often adjusts our first impressions. Your online caustic words will never go away and you don't know when someone you love will read them (and, yes, they do read them) and be deeply offended. Until you can prove that you're the litmus test for what's right and good in the world, let your words be mellow and let other folks have an off-day without judgment. Do you really want what you wrote a few years ago to come back and destroy the older, wiser, you?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_2FTjqTS54/TuQtisXmErI/AAAAAAAABfA/RxID960sQLI/s150/A%2Bto%2BZ%2BBadge%2B2012%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #424 in a group of 1862 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!SharleneThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12180247939829055069noreply@blogger.com12